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Earlier this year, I achived a qualifying time for my age group, for the World Triathlon Championships to be held in New Zealand in October. 

New Zealand is a long way to go, but we've decided to make it into a three week holiday for the family for various reasons.  Firstly I earned my place in the triathlon, and I can't guarantee ever having another chance like this. Secondly, I felt I could make the trip even more worthwhile by taking the opportunity to raise some money for a good cause.

This opportunity made me think of the late Bill Bond - my father in law - who we lost five years ago.  It was devastating when he passed away from a rare form of blood cancer.  And even more so when his wife, Margaret, was diagnosed with bowel cancer just 18 months later.  We lost both of them before they'd reached the age of 65.

It struck us that good health is never guarantee, so it made us determined that we should take opportunities when they come, live for the day, and do what we can to help others in similar situations.  Raising money for my chosen charity, the Rarer Cancers Foundation, through a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand fulfils both missions.

In the last 18 months I've already been part of a team which has collectively raised £2,000 for the RCF, through tackling a series of tough endurance events - an Olympic distance triathlon, a 100 mile bike ride, a marathon and a 10km swim.  The World Triathlon Championships will therefore be the pinnacle of a busy year for me, and one in which I'll be very pleased to have made a difference, by  generating much needed funds to support others.  Even if I just make £500, every pound will be poignant - and much appreciated by the RCF.

My race takes place on October 22nd at the intriguingly named, Half Moon Bay, Auckland.  Wish me luck, dip your hands in your pockets if you like what I'm doing, and keep in touch to see how I'm doing!

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